Strengthening communities

Northern Grampians Shire Council has released several key statistics and information about projects, planning and funding gained in the past quarter.

Mayor Tony Driscoll said it had been an exciting period for the shire, with a combination of successful grant applications and completed projects.

“Of course we are always planning to procure more grants and funding to increase the livability and tourism to the region,” he said.

Community strengthening projects for the past quarter included State Government funding of $600,000 for a brand new multi-purpose sporting facility at North Park; a $100,000 age-friendly grant to deliver the shire’s Positive Ageing Strategy over two years; and a $16,000 anti-graffiti artwork project in partnership with Victoria Police and Stawell Secondary College.

The council gave away more than $10,000 through its community grants program.

Capital works projects that were completed at St Arnaud in the past quarter included upgrades of footpaths in Mcmahon and Canterbury streets; Millett Street kerb and channel; Woolpack Road intersection; and a shade sail for Market Square.

The council also issued 25 planning permits in the last quarter at a total value of $3.6-million, with $144,100 granted as part of the shire’s Business Assistance Scheme and a $24-million economic impact expected from that figure.